Chest CT imaging is used to reach a diagnosis or monitor disease progression when pulmonary function test (PFT) results are abnormal, have worsened, or do not explain clinical symptoms. Deeper understanding of PFT not only helps radiologists better identify abnormalities and assess disease severity, it also helps with understanding how quantitative imaging can serve as a noninvasive alternative or adjunct to PFT. After reviewing this presentation, participants will be able to:1. Understand what constitutes a PFT and their significance.2. Describe PFT patterns for common lung diseases.3. Understand how PFT translates to quantitative imaging. 4. Understand the limitations of PFT where chest CT and quantitative imaging bring added value.
TABLE OF CONTENTS/OUTLINE1. Normal PFT measurements: Volume, Spirometry, Flow volume curves;2. Common PFT patterns and imaging correlates: A. Obstructive pattern (COPD, asthma, constrictive bronchiolitis).B. Restrictive pattern (IPF);3. Measurements of quantitative imaging: A. Indices of COPD- airway abnormality/morphology (airway measurements), air trapping (lung attenuation).B. Indices of IPF - skewness, kurtosis, visual scores of fibrosis;4. Correlation between PFT and quantitative imaging.